A gardener's world from the hill on Ball Rd

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We are finally having a real springtime experience. It seemed like it would never come. The Adonis have been waiting and waiting for some sunny days. Even in the snow (which we had last week) the Adonis were so ready to move on to spring.

Adonis in the snow

The snowdrops have been testifying that they too were ready to get on with springtime.

Snowdrops in the snow

So that when we had several days with sun this week everyone started to show their flowers.

Adonis ‘Fukujukai’

Adonis amurensis ‘Chichibu Beni’

Adonis amurensis ‘Chichibu Beni’

Winter Aconite in abundance

Eranthis hyemalis ‘Schwefelglanz’

First crocus

I even found a couple of snowdrops that had seeded into the grass, something I’ve never seen here before.

Snowdrop in the grass

This encouraged me to scrape back some leaves and I managed to uncover a Helleborus thibetanus in flower. It’s such a charmer forerunner of the main crop of Hellebores.

Helleborus thibetanus

Meanwhile the greenhouse has continued to yield some lovely exotics like the Lachenalia and a very fragrant Tulbaghia.

Lachinalia unicolor

as well as a beautiful Freesia.

Freesia ‘Red River’

It is however, hard to exceed the Clivias for overall impact. Twice a year these african natives put forth long last colorful stalks and survive on minimal care.